Write equations for the reaction of propanoic acid with methanol and name any organic products.

This reaction is the formation of an ester because the reactants are a carboxylic acid and an alcohol.
Propanoic acid has 3 carbons and will have the functional group COOH:
CH3CH2COOH
Methanol has 1 carbon and an OH functional group:
CH3OH
So the equation is:
CH3CH2COOH + CH3OH ---> CH3CH2COOCH3 + H2O
The organic product is methyl propanoate because there are 3 carbons before the ester group and 1 carbon after the ester group.

BH
Answered by Bethan H. Chemistry tutor

35686 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Compare the basic ability between ammonia, ethyl amine and phenyl amine.


Explain why the trend in ionisation energy changes between group 5 and 6


Explain the bonding and thus the properties of a carbon allotrope


How to answer the question: How does a bicarbonate buffer solution control pH when either an acid or a base is added?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning